Brad Penny deal

The Boston Red Sox have signed former Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Brad Penny to a one-year deal worth $5 million. The contract could reach up to $8 million if incentive clauses are met in 2009. The Dodgers reportedly did not re-sign Brad Penny because of his many injuries and problems in his back, rib cage, forearm, elbow, biceps, and shoulder. Plus Brad Penny has had a bad rep for his motivational and discipline problems.

Despite this Penny is only 30, and has twice won 16 games in the last three years, with two all-star appearances and third-place finish in the 2007 Cy Young Award voting. And despite his injury problems (which pitcher doesn't have them?) Brad has reached the 175 inning plateau five times.

Meanwhile in another deal, the New York Times looks to sell its 17.5 percent stake in the Boston Red Sox, but has not found a buyer yet. Other Major League Baseball franchises, like the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres are also looking at stake sales. But Major League Baseball as a whole is hopeful that the global credit crunch and recession in the US won't affect it. Part of the reason is the MLB Television Network, which will begin airing in more than 50 million homes, and eventually be worth $1 billion.